Customer Reviews

All About Vee

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Veronica May, better known as Vee, has always been a daddy's girl. Now Daddy is remarrying and Veronica feels replaced so she sets off to Hollywood, to follow her dreams of being an actress and to follow in her deceased mother's footsteps.

Vee moves in with her old best friend, who had graduated early to pursue her own acting dream, and with her advice, Vee begins taking yoga, acting classes, and starts working at the local coffee shop.

Of course, not everything goes as planned. With an unexpected romance, a backstabbing best friend, and all the drama that comes with being in Hollywood, Vee begins to wonder whether or not she'll ever make it in the acting world, especially when they're not exactly open to plus-sized actors.

All About Vee was, to use a single word, unexpected. I didn't realize there'd be so much depth in the novel, despite it's length. I figured it'd be something between Gossip Girl and Secrets of my Hollywood Life but it was something so much better than that.

The characters were well-developed and relatable and the prose was well-written. You could really feel yourself being transported into the story and it was so easy to relate to Vee, as well as the other characters. The plot itself was original and not your average take on an up-and-coming actress. There was nothing about being rich or having the right look or anything you usually find in those novels. The romance was also very realistic and though it was a bit predictable, I really did enjoy it.

I would definitely recommend All About Vee to everyone, especially if you have an interest in acting, Hollywood, or just want to read something fun.

ALL ABOUT VEE is the quintessential feel-good read, with a great message and the perfect blend of romance and fun! Its greatest strength, of course, lies in its protagonist. Veronica keeps it real; her reactions, emotions, and actions are the genuine ones of that girl behind the counter who you just know will make a great friend.

I was also appreciative of the fact that this book wasn't completely about Vee trying to overcome her body image issues. Yes, it's mentioned, as it rightfully should be--prejudiced judgments, unfortunately, still exists everywhere in all forms--but through it all Veronica remains true to herself. She is not easily broken by harsh words, and insteads picks herself up and looks forward to the future, where she'll kick everyone else's undeserving butts in auditions and make a name for herself out of her real talent. You'll want to cheer for Veronica as she develops through this lovely little book!

After reading Purtill's first novel, I got my hands on a copy of Vee and it's a great read, something about the turn of phrase of this author that I really love, great story, wonderfully written.

This one's a charmer and I wish I'd read it sooner. Read a whole bunch of other crap I didn't really care for.

So now I wonder, what will be next for this author? For me there's nothing cooler than finding an author before they become popular and knowing I got there first, before everyone else discovered my find. Next book please.

I read this when it was originally published as All About Vee and I enjoyed it even more in ebook form, maybe I just like reading on my kindle better, ease of use. Either way, this is such a wonderful book and I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series. It says on the description that it's been altered by about 1% but I honestly couldn't tell the difference, it was the same great book I read the first time.

I feel like this book can help anyone who has felt down-trodden. Vee's ability to plod on through the mire and muck of Hollyweird is a testament to those who strive for something grand. Although she recognizes her own self worth and stays true, she grows by recognizing the worth of others too....wow that rhymed! Its one of those books you can't put down and when you reach the end you crave more more more!

Vee is a stage actress. She's a good stage actress who could be great. She's young and feels invincible until she goes to Los Angeles to pursue life on the big screen. There she learns that, unlike on the stage, screen actresses are valued for their petiteness. Vee herself is a young woman of some size. It takes all the gumption she has just to exist in decaf-nonfat latte land. People she thought of as friends are not so much friends, and true friendship comes to her from people she'd never suspect.

While reading this book I was reminded to honor the inner Vee; the irrepressible, goal-driven part of myself that keeps going striving for my dreams no matter what happens.

I wish Vee was my best friend. The only problem with this book is that it is too short or there isn't a sequel. It's such a good story with a likeable character who is fierce, smart, determined, ambitious with a great sense of herself. Recommend it to everyone!!!!!

I must admit, before I started ALL ABOUT VEE I believed I knew how the story would turn out. Naive young woman goes to Hollywood to make it big? Plus-sized girl tries to make it in an industry obsessed with too-thin girls? I expected a story that would feel good in the end, but until then I'd face the protagonist's lack of self-confidence and growing disillusionment. No, I don't hate that kind of book. It's simply a familiar trajectory and sometimes you long for something different.

Something different is what C. Leigh Purtill delivered. In the first chapter, she smacked down my prejudices. Veronica wasn't self-conscious about her weight. Oh, she knows she's 217 pounds. She also knows it doesn't matter onstage. Onstage she's a star. She's got arrogance and pride because she's talented, hard-working, and a budding star.

But while Vee has plenty of confidence in her professional life, she's less certain in her personal. She's fond of her father's long-time fiancee, May May, but she just can't bring herself to acknowledge her as a mother figure. It's the discovery of her mother Diana's letters to her father while she tried to make it as an actress that convinces Vee to make her move. She's seeking a connection with her mother just as much as she's seeking success.

She leaves the two Vees - Val and Virginia - in Chester, AZ, and joins the Vee - Vivian, who now goes by Reed - who already set out for Hollywood. It's beautiful, tiny Reed who lacks self-confidence, not Veronica. Of course, Veronica trusts her friend and misses how Reed knocks her down to build herself up. Luckily for Veronica, she makes some real friends. These real friends include Phillip, the cute coffee shop manager who encourages Veronica to remain true to her talent.

It's hard to watch Vee try to navigate Hollywood. She's learning a new medium, realizing that some of her stage training works against acting in front of a camera. She's also learning that some roles will never consider her, despite her skill. Others will consider her regardless of skill, to make her a sitcom's token slob. Despite this, Veronica remains refreshingly confident and optimistic to the end.

Purtill resolves Veronica's issues with her family equally well. Early on I realized that if Diana became famous, Veronica's life likely wouldn't exist. It's interesting to read Diana's letters and put the pieces of the past together. It's also interesting to see how they help Vee appreciate her father and May May, who she left rather callously in the beginning of the novel.

As for the love interest, I like Phillip. He knows how to appreciate personality, intelligence, and talent. He lets Veronica make her own decisions but offers her advice and opportunities. Plus, he encourages Vee to make coffee. She clearly can't make iced tea correctly if she thinks the secret is not boiling the water.

From In Bed With Books

Veronica May, better known as Vee, has always been a daddy's girl. Now Daddy is remarrying and Veronica feels replaced, so she sets off to Hollywood, to follow her dreams of being an actress and to follow in her deceased mother's footsteps.

Vee moves in with her old best friend, who had graduated early to pursue her own acting dream, and with her advice, Vee begins taking yoga, acting classes, and starts working at the local coffee shop.

Of course, not everything goes as planned. With an unexpected romance, a backstabbing best friend, and all the drama that comes with being in Hollywood, Vee begins to wonder whether or not she'll ever make it in the acting world, especially when they're not exactly open to plus-sized actors.

ALL ABOUT VEE was, to use a single word, unexpected. I didn't realize there'd be so much depth in the novel, despite it's length. I figured it'd be something between GOSSIP GIRL and SECRETS OF MY HOLLYWOOD LIFE, but it was something so much better than that.

The characters were well-developed and relatable and the prose was well-written. You could really feel yourself being transported into the story and it was so easy to relate to Vee, as well as the other characters. The plot itself was original and not your average take on an up-and-coming actress. There was nothing about being rich or having the right look or anything you usually find in those types of novels. The romance was also very realistic and, though it was a bit predictable, I really did enjoy it.

I would definitely recommend ALL ABOUT VEE to everyone, especially if you have an interest in acting, Hollywood, or just want to read something fun.

Reviewed by: Harmony

Veronica May ("Vee" to her friends) has everything it takes to make it in Hollywood. Not only is she beautiful, she has great self-esteem and killer acting chops. So when her summer plans of community theater in Chester, Arizona, are dashed by Glengarry Glen Ross, her father and his girlfriend announce a wedding date only six months away, and the owner of the apothecary where she works sells out to Drug Rite, Vee decides it's time to hit the road and head to LA.

While there, Vee has entrusted two of her closest friends to regularly send her letters that her mother, who died 12 years ago, wrote to her father while she was in LA pursuing her own dreams of stardom. Now is the perfect time for all of Vee's 217 pounds to pursue an acting career.

At first, LA seems to be all right. Vee moves in with longtime friend Vivian Reed. Vivian, who insists that Vee call her Reed, helps Vee get started with all the keys to a successful acting career, like headshots, movement and acting classes, and auditions. Very quickly, Vee learns that Reed is not the Vivian she's known, or thought she knew, all her life. Reed never touches junk food, for starters. In fact, she avoids all food if she can help it. Reed, like everyone else pursuing a Hollywood dream (or so it seems to Vee), is a size zero. Vee thinks that the Hollywood beauty standard is beyond ridiculous. Size zero isn't a size...it's the absence of a size! Vee is sure that with her talent she'll land roles regardless of her physical appearance. Unfortunately, anyone who's read an issue of People magazine or a gossip blog knows that's not how things work.

Despite being turned down for several roles because of her size, Vee's time in LA isn't a total loss. She gets a job as a barista, and not only do the customers love her, she gets along fabulously with her co-workers, especially cute former child actor Philip. And thanks to her relentless pursuit of an acting career, she starts to get calls from casting offices. The one big thorn in her side is Reed, who isn't the friend Vee thought she was. It doesn't take Vee long to realize that even though she and Reed aren't competing for the same roles, Reed does not want Vee to be a success in acting or in the realm of romance.

Plus-size Vee and her plus-size determination present a new, not always glamorous view of Hollywood. Getting acting jobs, especially when you're new to Hollywood and don't have representation, is a lot of work and sometimes brings close encounters of the creepy, pervy kind. But although you can succeed on hard work and a little luck, you'll see, like Vee does, that what's really important are your friends, family and sticking to your dream.

--- Reviewed by Carlie Webber